Panthers To Salute Olympic Medalist And University Of Miami Alumnus Lauryn Williams On Tuesday, April 8

Panthers To Salute Olympic Medalist And University Of Miami Alumnus Lauryn Williams On Tuesday, April 8Barkov, Kopecky & Luongo to be honored alongside three-time medalist Williams.

SUNRISE, Fla. – Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced today that the Florida Panthers will honor Panthers players and 2014 Winter Olympians Aleksander Barkov, Tomas Kopecky and Roberto Luongo, as well as special guest and University of Miami alumnus Lauryn Williams, on Tuesday, April 8, during the Panthers-Flyers game at 7:30 p.m. at BB&T Center in Sunrise.

Williams (@LaurynCWilliams), is only the fifth person in history and the first U.S. woman to win a medal in both the Winter and Summer Olympics. She received her Bachelor of Finance degree from the University of Miami in 2004, is a four-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist. She won a silver medal in the two-woman bobsled event at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, was a member of the women’s 4x100 meter relay team that won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, and won a silver medal in the 100 meter race at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Williams will participate in a ceremonial puck drop before the game and also take part in an autograph signing during the second intermission.

“I am always happy to return to South Florida, where I studied, trained and competed, and am thrilled to be a part of such an exciting event with the Panthers and their fans,” said Williams.

Luongo captured his second consecutive gold medal as a member of Canada’s victorious men’s hockey team. The 18-year old Barkov won a bronze medal with Team Finland, becoming the youngest Finnish hockey player to ever win an Olympic medal. Kopecky played in his second consecutive Olympics for Team Slovakia.

“This evening will be a wonderful opportunity for our organization and the South Florida sports community to congratulate Aleksander, Tomas and Roberto in person and to honor Lauryn, one of the most accomplished U.S. Olympians in history and a wonderful role model for young athletes everywhere,” said Panthers CEO and President Rory Babich. “We look forward to welcoming hockey fans and sports fans from throughout South Florida as we celebrate the accomplishments of some of South Florida’s own participants in the recent Winter Olympics.”

The Panthers have six remaining games in the 2013-14 regular season, including five consecutive home games in April, culminating with the April 12 season finale against the Columbus Blue Jackets. During this homestand, the team will hold free open practices for fans at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. Practice times will be announced via the Panthers PR Twitter account (“@FlaPanthersPR”).

The Salute to Olympians will include a special ticket offer for University of Miami students, teachers and alumni, who will receive 20% off any lower bowl endzone or terrace level seat for the game.

Home to the Florida Panthers Hockey Club and internationally recognized concerts and events, the Broward County-owned BB&T Center is one of the top ranked venues of its kind in the world. Sunrise Sports & Entertainment is the premier company of its kind in South Florida. Follow the BB&T Center on Twitter and Facebook.